Susie Hedalen Files for Superintendent of Public Instruction

HELENA- Susie Hedalen officially filed with the Secretary of State's Office today seeking election as Montana's next Superintendent of Public Instruction. Hedalen is an experienced school leader running on a conservative platform of bringing education back to basics and creating greater opportunities for Montana students.

"Montana families and educators deserve an experienced leader at the Office of Public Instruction who will get education back to basics, put parents and students first, and keep our schools safe," Hedalen said Monday. "Parents are the primary stakeholders in their children's education; their voices must be heard and respected, and they deserve to know that their children are safe in Montana's schools, safe to learn in environments free from fear, intimidation, and political ideologies."

Hedalen filed her campaign paperwork in person with the Secretary of State.

Governor Greg Gianforte, Attorney General Austin Knudsen, and other state and local officials and education advocates have already endorsed Hedalen.

“I am honored to have the immediate support of state leaders like Governor Gianforte and Attorney General Knudsen, as well as local families and educators,” said Hedalen. “Making Montana a national leader in education will require partnerships and working with diverse stakeholders. I'm demonstrating my ability to bring people together for the betterment of students right from the start of this campaign.”

Hedalen is currently the Townsend School District Superintendent and the Montana Board of Public Education Vice-Chair. She previously served as Deputy Superintendent at the Montana Office of Public Instruction. In addition to working as a classroom teacher and supervising teachers, Hedalen has managed federal education programs and school funding. Her extensive experience at all levels of K-20 school systems makes Hedalen the most qualified candidate in decades for Montana's top education position.

Hedalen graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education, a Master's in Educational Leadership, and a Certificate in Native American Studies. She lives with her husband, Derrick, in Townsend.

Learn more at SusieForSchools.com